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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
dark
fast-paced
Incredibly well-done. When I found out where he was blurring the lines between fiction and reality... let's just say I was completely taken in.
I must confess I was not expecting this kind of book at all. This is a typical case of booksta-made-me-do-it, I don't deny it. I was also prompted by the fact that the author is a friend of Stephen King and the man himself recommended the book.
So was it good? Heck yeah!
It reads almost like a true-crime documentary in the form of a memoir in which the author himself is the main character. Chizmar tells the story of the summer of 1988, when his hometown made headlines after a series of gruesome murders turned the quiet life of Edgewood, Maryland, upside down.
Immediately after graduating from college and on the verge of becoming a successful writer, Richard finds himself increasingly consumed by what is happening on the streets where he grew up. Young teenage girls are being raped, mutilated and strangled ... and there seems to be no clue as to who the serial killer might be. Together with his childhood friend and reporter, they follow police procedures from a very close angle hoping to stop the gruesome murders before another girl is hurt.
So the question is, how much of it is fiction and what part is based on true events? You’ll have to read it to find out. It’s a slow burn, but no less compelling.
The author has also included some black and white photos of the characters, which make the book look even more authentic.
I definitely got some 1980’s vibes when I read it and think that the premise was very original.
I was a little disappointed with the reveal of the killer, which was almost anti-climatic. I suppose I had hoped that Richard or his accomplice Carley would stumble upon the killer, or at least find an important clue as to who he might be.
A very interesting take on what might be a new genre!
So was it good? Heck yeah!
It reads almost like a true-crime documentary in the form of a memoir in which the author himself is the main character. Chizmar tells the story of the summer of 1988, when his hometown made headlines after a series of gruesome murders turned the quiet life of Edgewood, Maryland, upside down.
Immediately after graduating from college and on the verge of becoming a successful writer, Richard finds himself increasingly consumed by what is happening on the streets where he grew up. Young teenage girls are being raped, mutilated and strangled ... and there seems to be no clue as to who the serial killer might be. Together with his childhood friend and reporter, they follow police procedures from a very close angle hoping to stop the gruesome murders before another girl is hurt.
So the question is, how much of it is fiction and what part is based on true events? You’ll have to read it to find out. It’s a slow burn, but no less compelling.
The author has also included some black and white photos of the characters, which make the book look even more authentic.
I definitely got some 1980’s vibes when I read it and think that the premise was very original.
I was a little disappointed with the reveal of the killer, which was almost anti-climatic. I suppose I had hoped that Richard or his accomplice Carley would stumble upon the killer, or at least find an important clue as to who he might be.
A very interesting take on what might be a new genre!
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
For the first 100 or so pages, I thought this was a true story. I got spooked when I heard someone walking outside at night because it happened to coincide with a creepy part so I made sure my windows were locked. It wasn’t until I was glancing at the pictures towards the back that I saw 90% of this is pure fiction. Chizmar did a great job making me believe it was real. He did an excellent job of setting the scene in the small town of Edgewood, MA in the late 80s. He wove in details from his life growing up with the real life terror that plagued the town known as the Phantom Fondler. Even once I found out the story wasn’t real, I continued reading as if it were and I wasn’t disappointed. I can’t wait to see if the sequel is just as well written and detail oriented.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I did not see that coming!
I also really enjoyed the authors writing style and they way he told the story.
I also really enjoyed the authors writing style and they way he told the story.
DNF because I didn't give it enough of a chance, and I also hated how male and ego-driven it was.
Für True-Crime-Liebhaber und Leser feiner und cleverer Literatur ein absolutes Must-read mit Gänsehautpotenzial. Gemächlich erzählt, trotzdem wahnsinnig spannend, äußerst informativ und erfrischend abwechslungsreich. Da lohnt sich absolut jeder Cent für die schöne limitierte Ausgabe aus dem Buchheim Verlag. Für mich ein Jahreshighlight!